Q. Do you treat children?
A. Children are rarely treated at the Center. Some children require anesthesia and subsequent recovery room care. Many children are on sophisticated protocols and research studies (much more commonly than adult cancers) requiring University level support where rare diseases are seen more frequently.

Q. What are the major treatment options for cancer? Are they used simultaneously?
A. Currently, the major treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Based on the physician’s diagnosis and the patient’s decision, he or she may undergo one, two, or all of these treatment options.

Q. Does the Cancer Center have surgical services?
A. Surgical services are not part of the Cancer Center’s current mission.

Q. What kinds of cancer do you typically treat?
A. The Cancer Center provides treatment for many different types of cancer, but the six most commonly treated are breast, prostate, lung, skin, head/neck, and brain.

Q. When will I start my radiation treatments?
A. Your radiation treatments usually start 7 to 10 days after your simulation (mapping session).

Q. How long does radiation therapy treatment usually last?
A. Patients usually get five to eight weeks of daily (weekday) radiation treatment with each treatment lasting around 10-20 minutes.

Q. Will I lose my hair?
A. You will lose any hair that is in the area of treatment. You will only lose hair on your head if we are treating your head. Any hair loss that occurs during or shortly after your radiation therapy could be permanent.

Q. Will radiation make me sick?
A. The radiation generally only causes nausea if we are treating near your stomach area. If you are receiving radiation near your abdomen or pelvis you could experience diarrhea. We have medication to prescribe for both of these symptoms should they occur.

Q. Can I pick my appointment time?
A. Radiation Therapists will work with you to find appointment times that work for you.

Q. Can I get my hair permanently colored or curled?
A. Yes. Unless you are receiving radiation to the head or having chemotherapy that causes hair loss, this will not affect your treatment nor cause hair loss.

Q. Can I get a flu shot?
A. Yes. This does not interfere with radiation. If you are having chemotherapy, please check with your medical oncologist first.

Q. Can I take vitamins?
A. Please bring a list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements for your doctor to review. Antioxidants are controversial during cancer treatments. A regular multivitamin is okay.

Q. Is there a special diet that I should be on?
A. A high protein, high calorie diet promotes healing, helps prevent loss of muscle mass, and weight loss. Talk with your nurse for specific diets for your condition.